Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Valentino Rossi is a name that truly needs no introduction, as the Italian is widely considered to be one of the best motorcycle racers of all time.
His dynamic riding style and colorful personality were matched only by the wide array of helmets that he donned over the course of his career. The seller describes the impact of this particular livery accordingly:
“The final race of the MotoGP season in 2003 was held in Spain at Valencia, and it was also Rossi’s last ever race as a Honda rider. Rossi would move to Yamaha for the 2004 season, but that was not yet announced. Rossi dominated and won the race ahead of Sete Gibernau and Loris Capirossi, and managed to do it in a unique style with a flower power helmet and bike livery (also referred to as the ‘Austin Powers’ design). The livery was chosen after Repsol ran a competition with Spanish motorcycle magazine, Motociclismo, where readers had to create a design for the bike and rider that also included the Repsol name. Repsol Honda and Valentino Rossi chose the winner from he shortlist.
The helmet design was covered in flowers and featured a small sun and moon under the visor towards the front of the helmet. The left and right sides of the helmet had ‘Valentino’ in 1960′s style text running along the base, with the word ‘Rossi’ runing along the top of the helmet. The back featured the number 46. The would be the last helmet that Rossi would wear on a Honda. In line with the 1960′s / flower power theme, Rossi took to the podium wearing a huge afro wig.
In 2003 was a turnaround in fortunes for Rossi’s choice of special livery in what turned out to be the last race and victory for the Italian riding a Honda in the premier class. The striking ‘Austin Powers’ theme on his RC211V came about from a competition between main sponsor Repsol and a Spanish motorcycle magazine to design a paint scheme for the race, in what is now an iconic livery. Yeah, baby!”
The seller acquired the helmet from a Motorcycle shop in Fort Lauderdale approximately 22 years ago.
Per the seller: “I have been a collector of MOTO GP /Racer items for the past 25+/-years… Attending 12 MOTOGP events worldwide…
It was at the 2011 Indy/ MotoGP where I met VRossi president of his fan club at breakfast one morning, he as asking for direction to the track speaking Italian with no help and as I speak spanish which help our communication. We were both staying at the Canterbury Hotel and became friendly with one another and even drove to the track together for 2 days. I called my wife and had her FEDEX me this helmet knowing that I could get it signed… I met up with VR one evening at the Omni Hotel where he was staying and kind enough to meet and sign the helmet for me thank to my new friend. I kept in touch with him again when I went to Mugello for a GP event in Sept 2012. The helmet has been sitting on self at my home office since then…. Thats the Story and now its time to move hands to another fan.”
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Interior foam is showing its age.”
Currently located in Coral Springs, Florida, this AGV is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any Rossi stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
